2025 Kia K4: first details for fastback sedan that ends Cerato nameplate

The Kia K4 will end the Cerato nameplate’s 20-year run when the fastback sedan arrives in early 2025.

Kia Australia confirmed the news in tandem with the K4’s full reveal at the New York motor show overnight.

The K4 name becomes the global name for the Korean brand’s small car, which has used various names including Forte, K3 and Cerato depending on country.

It debuts as a sedan to fit with its US public showcase, though a hatchback body style is again expected to be offered for markets including Australia.

The K4 is longer and wider than the Cerato, extending by 69mm to virtually match the length of its Hyundai i30 Sedan twin (4709 v 4710mm). An extra 49mm of width makes it wider than the Hyundai (1849 v 1825mm).

Kia hasn’t released the K4’s wheelbase but it would be expected to be virtually identical to the 2720mm of the i30 Sedan.

The K4’s fastback-style design is a dramatic departure from the conventional-looking four-door Cerato.

A pseudo-coupe look is created with hidden rear door handles, while the overall styling brings the midsized sedan into line with the design language successfully implemented in recent years across Kia’s range, including its electric EV models such as EV6, EV9 and upcoming EV5.

Kia says the K4’s vertical-style headlights and tail-lights are also inspired by those of the EV9 large electric SUV.

Inside, it borrows the EV9’s panoramic triple digital display, which spans nearly 30cm by comprising a 12.3-inch instrument panel, 5.0-inch climate control section, and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The company is also claiming benchmark rear legroom and headroom, though this is essentially shared with the i30 Sedan – there’s just 1mm in it for the former and identical for the latter.

For the US, GT-Line models (featured in all images) feature gloss-black exterior elements, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and a three-spoke steering wheel design as standard, with ventilated seats an option.

Other interior options include a Harman Kardon audio, wide sunroof, and Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra Wideband that, as with a Tesla, allows owners to lock/unlock and drive their car using either a smartphone or NFC-enabled smart card.

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